Indra Australia Pty Ltd 10-Mar-2015
Species Management Plan
Hann Tableland Transportable Radar Project
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan
Species Management Plan Hann Tableland Transportable Radar Project
Client: Indra Australia Pty Ltd
ABN: 28 091 922 315
Prepared by
AECOM Australia Pty Ltd Level 8, 540 Wickham Street, PO Box 1307, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, Australia T +61 7 3553 2000 F +61 7 3553 2050 www.aecom.com ABN 20 093 846 925
10-Mar-2015
Job No.: 60318570
AECOM in Australia and New Zealand is certified to the latest version of ISO9001, ISO14001, AS/NZS4801 and OHSAS18001.
© AECOM Australia Pty Ltd (AECOM). All rights reserved.
AECOM has prepared this document for the sole use of the Client and for a specific purpose, each as expressly stated in the document. No other party should rely on this document without the prior written consent of AECOM. AECOM undertakes no duty, nor accepts any responsibility, to any third party who may rely upon or use this document. This document has been prepared based on the Client’s description of its requirements and AECOM’s experience, having regard to assumptions that AECOM can reasonably be expected to make in accordance with sound professional principles. AECOM may also have relied upon information provided by the Client and other third parties to prepare this document, some of which may not have been verified. Subject to the above conditions, this document may be transmitted, reproduced or disseminated only in its entirety.
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan
Quality Information
Document Species Management Plan
60318570
Ref p:\603x\60318570\8. issued docs\8.1 reports\hann tableland\transportable\cemp\60318570_species management plan_10 april 2015.docx
Date 10-Mar-2015
Prepared by Mark Barnett
Reviewed by Gillian Turner
Revision History
Authorised Revision Revision Details Date Name/Position Signature
A 09-Feb-2015 Draft Mark Barnett - Project Manager B 25-Mar-2015 Client Comments Addressed Mark Barnett - Project Manager C 10-Apr-2015 Project Timeframes Edited Mark Barnett Project Manager
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan
Table of Contents Cross Reference: Department of Environment and Heritage Protection Species Management Plan Guideline ii 1.0 Introduction 1 1.1 Objective and Performance Indicators 1 1.2 Proponent and Project Description 2 2.0 Legislation and Regulatory Framework 3 2.1 Commonwealth and State Legislation 3 2.2 Non-statutory Listings 3 3.0 Species Information 4 4.0 Project Activities 11 5.0 Management and Control Strategies 12 6.0 Compliance Management 21 6.1 Roles and Responsibilities 21 6.1.1 Construction Phase 21 6.1.2 Operational Phase 21 6.2 Training 21 6.3 Inspections and Monitoring 22 6.3.1 Establishing Pre-clearing Condition 22 6.3.2 Post-clearing Monitoring 22 6.3.3 Inspections 22 6.4 Reporting 22 6.5 Corrective Actions 22 7.0 Resourcing 23 7.1 Specialist Resources 23 8.0 References 24 Attachment A Identifying Cane Toads A Attachment B Approved Methods of Cane Toad Euthanasia B
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan i
Glossary
Abbreviation Description AQF Australian Qualifications Framework CEMP Construction Environmental Management Plan dB(A) A-weighted decibels DoE Department of Environment (Commonwealth) EAR Environmental Assessment Report EHP Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (Queensland) EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth) EVNT Endangered, Vulnerable and Near Threatened FIA Flora Impact Assessment IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature MNES Matters of National Environmental Significance NC Act Nature Conservation Act 1992 (Queensland) SMP Species Management Plan
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan ii
Cross Reference: Department of Environment and Heritage Protection Species Management Plan Guideline This Species Management Plan has been prepared to meet the requirements of the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection’s Guideline: Developing a species management program (the Guideline). The Guideline describes the minimum requirements for the development of a species management program to meet requirements of an ‘approved species management program’ under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006. This Species Management Plan has been prepared voluntarily, enabling the proponent to demonstrate a level of management commensurate with the potential risks to fauna species protected by the Commonwealth and State of Queensland. The following table is a cross reference between the requirements of the Guideline and the content of this Species Management Plan.
Item Information Required Document Section Scope 1. Applicant Provide applicant’s legal name, ACN/ABN if Refer to Table 2 applicable, registered address, contact details. 2. Organisational Summary Provide a summary of the applicant organisation, Refer to Table 2 including its objectives and scope of activities. 3. Activity Outline the activities that will occur for which this Refer to Table 2 approval is required, including, if applicable, the authority by which the activities are undertaken. 4. Applicable Species Describe the species or classes of wildlife to which Refer to Table 2 and the program applies. Section 3.0 Terms 1. Term of Approval State for what period you wish the SMP to remain Refer to Table 2 valid. 2. Approved Parties List the parties that are to be approved to operate Refer to Table 2 under the program. Impacts 1. Impacts Describe how the activity may impact on animal Refer to Section 4.0 breeding places, including how particular species of and Table 5 concern may be impacted. 2. Assessment Outline the methods of assessment and analysis Refer to Section 4.0 and research undertaken to evaluate the potential impacts of activities on animal breeding places. Management 1. Management Actions Outline the proposed actions to be taken to manage Refer to Section 5.0 the impacts of activities on animal breeding places. 2. Responsibilities Identify who in the organisation is responsible for Refer to Section 6.1 ensuring that each action is carried out in accordance with the program. 3. Qualified Persons Identify areas of the program that will require Refer to Section 7.1 specialist or qualified people to undertake activities. 4. Contingency Planning Outline a process to be followed in the event of Refer to Section 6.5 unexpected impacts on other protected wildlife. Monitoring 1. Establishing Pre-Clearing Detail how baseline data was/will be collected to Refer to Section 5.0 Condition allow assessment of success of SMP. 2. Post-Clearing Monitoring Detail proposed monitoring to evaluate success of Refer to Section 6.3
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan iii
Item Information Required Document Section management strategies. Specify the period over which monitoring is to occur. Reporting 1. Reporting Outline the proposed reporting regime that will allow Refer to Section 6.4 EHP to evaluate impacts on species and success or otherwise of management strategies. Miscellaneous 1. Legislative Framework Detail any legislation relevant to the operation of the Refer to Section 2.0 SMP. 2. Definitions/Glossary Descriptions of meanings within the document Refer to Glossary 3. Contact Details Provide contact details, including at a local/regional Refer to Table 2 level if applicable. EHP will provide relevant contact details for EHP officers. 4. References List references used in development of SMP, Refer to Section 8.0 including consultation with experts.
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan 1
1.0 Introduction This Species Management Plan (SMP) has been prepared for the Hann Tableland Transportable Radar Project (the Project) in response to the potential presence of the Northern Quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) within and adjacent to the Project site. Desktop and field habitat assessments conducted as part of the Environmental Assessment Report (EAR, AECOM 2014a) and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA, AECOM 2014b) identified suitable microhabitat for the Northern Quoll in the vicinity of the site, as well as confirmed records within the broader region. Through these assessments, the Northern Quoll has been identified as potentially being impacted by the works. A number of additional threatened fauna species (Endangered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened) with the potential to occur in the Hann Tableland region have also been identified through the EAR and EIA assessments (Table 1). These species have not been identified as being impacted by the works, however this SMP will be used to manage any potential adverse impacts that may arise on these fauna species as a result of the Project. The intention of this SMP is to be used by the contractor, in combination with the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP), to minimise the likelihood of the Project impacting on the Northern Quoll and other threatened fauna species. This SMP should be treated as a living document, to be revised and/or amended as required to accurately reflect changing on-ground conditions and fauna management measures.
Table 1 Threatened fauna species that have potential to occur in proximity of the Project
Common Name Scientific Name Commonwealth Status1 State Status2
Australian swiftlet Aerodramus terraereginae - NT Red goshawk Erythrotriorchis radiatus V E Masked owl (northern) Tyto novaehollandiae kimberli V V Northern Quoll Dasyurus hallucatus E - Diadem leaf-nosed bat Hipposideros diadema reginae - NT Robust burrowing snake Antaioserpens warro - NT White-bellied sea eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster Ma, Mi - White-throated needletail Hirundapus caudacutus Ma, Mi - Rainbow bee-eater Merops ornatus Ma, Mi - Black-faced monarch Monarcha melanopsis Ma, Mi - Spectacled monarch Symposiachrus trivirgatus Ma, Mi - Satin flycatcher Myiagra cyanoleuca Ma, Mi - Rufous fantail Rhipidura rufifrons Ma, Mi - Fork-tailed swift Apus pacificus Ma, Mi - Notes: E = Endangered, V = Vulnerable, NT = Near Threatened, Ma = Marine, Mi = Migratory
1. Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1992.
2. Under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.
1.1 Objective and Performance Indicators The objective of this SMP is to maintain the abundance, diversity, geographic distribution and productivity of the Northern Quoll in the Hann Tableland region through the avoidance or management of adverse impacts. The intention of this SMP is to guide the management and undertaking of the Project in a manner that will result in no long-term detrimental impact to Northern Quoll or its habitat. The following performance indicators have been set for the management of impacts on terrestrial fauna during the life of the Project: - No loss of threatened species (individuals or populations) as a consequence of Project works.
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan 2
- Successful translocation of threatened species prior to and during construction. - Minimise impacts to non-threatened species within the wider Project site. - The identification and assessment of all fauna habitat features (e.g. hollow bearing trees) prior to clearing with appropriate mitigation measures implemented. - No infringements or non-compliances of regulatory or legislative requirements relevant to terrestrial fauna for the Project.
1.2 Proponent and Project Description Summarised details of the proponent (applicant), planned activity and timeframes of the works are provided in Table 2, in accordance with the requirements of the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection’s Guideline: Developing a species management program.
Table 2 Proponent and project description Airservices Australia ABN: 59 698 720 886 Alan Woods Building Applicant / Proponent 25 Constitution Avenue Canberra ACT 2600 GPO Box 367 Canberra ACT 2601 Organisational Airservices is a corporate Commonwealth entity providing safe, secure, Summary efficient and environmentally responsible services to the aviation industry. Activity This SMP covers the design, construction, operation, maintenance, decommissioning and rehabilitation phases of a new transportable navigational radar located on the Hann Tableland, Mareeba, Queensland. Applicable Species Refer to Section 3.0. Term of Approval This SMP will apply for the whole life cycle of the Hann Tableland Transportable Radar, which is expected to be an approximate 18 month period starting in April 2015. Approved Parties ERRP Delivery Manager: Indra Australia Pty Ltd Principal Contractor: TBC Sub-contractors: TBC
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan 3
2.0 Legislation and Regulatory Framework
2.1 Commonwealth and State Legislation Indra is obliged to comply with all relevant environmental Commonwealth and State legislation. Legislation pertaining to fauna management in Queensland and of relevance to this Project is summarised in Table 3.
Table 3 Commonwealth and State Legislation relating to threatened fauna species
Legislation Application Environment Protection and Biodiversity Protection of matters of national environmental significance Conservation Act 1999 (MNES).
In its unmitigated form, the Project has the potential to impact on suitable habitat for the Northern Quoll. However, with implementation of appropriate design considerations and suitable mitigation measures, impacts on Northern Quoll and its habitat are not expected to be significant and the Project would likely be deemed ‘Not a Controlled Action’ by the Department of Environment (DoE). Therefore the Project, with mitigation measures implemented, does not warrant referral under the EPBC Act. The proposed works are unlikely to significantly impact other populations of Commonwealth-listed EVNT within the region or adjacent to the site and access track.
Nature Conservation Act 1992 The Northern Quoll is not listed as a threatened species AND (Endangered, Vulnerable or Near Threated) under the Queensland Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006. However, all native Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulations animals are protected in Queensland regardless of their threatened 2006 status. Under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NC Act), it is unlawful to kill, injure or otherwise take protected wildlife without approval, unless the taking is accidental.
2.2 Non-statutory Listings The Northern Quoll is ranked as a medium priority species under the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) ‘Back on Track’ species prioritisation framework. Back on Track species prioritisation framework is designed to prioritise all species, regardless of their current classification under the NC Act or the EPBC Act. Species are prioritised using multiple criteria, to allow the identification of species that are in trouble, and those which have the greatest chance of recovery. Listing of the Northern Quoll as a Back on Track species has no statutory consequence for this Project. The Northern Quoll is also listed as ‘Endangered’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List of threatened species. A species’ listing on the IUCN Red List has no statutory consequence in Australia.
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan 4
3.0 Species Information Fourteen threated species have been identified in the EAR (AECOM 2014a) as having potential to occur in proximity to the Project. However, only one of these species, the Northern Quoll, is considered susceptible to impacts by the Project. This section provides a brief summary to the Northern Quoll and its characteristics. A pictorial guide to the other thirteen threatened species which may be encountered in close proximity to the Project site has also been provided.
Table 4 Species information for the Northern Quoll Scientific Name Dasyurus hallucatus Common Name Northern Quoll Other Common Little Northern Native Cat, Satanellus, North Australian Native Cat Names Status EPBC Act (Commonwealth): Endangered NC Act (Queensland): Least Concern Description The Northern Quoll is the smallest of the four Australian quoll species. It has a pointy snout and reddish brown fur, with a cream underside. It has white spots on its back and rump and a long, sparsely-furred, unspotted tail (Oakwood 2008). The tail length ranges between 202 and 345 mm. The hindfeet have striated pads and five toes (Oakwood 2008). Northern Quolls can weigh up to 1.2 kg, with the males (usually between 400 to 900g) (Braithwaite & Begg 1995) being larger than the females (usually 300 to 500g) (Braithwaite & Begg 1995, TSSC 2005). It is the most arboreal and aggressive of the four quoll species, and its faeces and body smell strongly (Braithwaite & Begg 1995).
Figure 1 Northern Quoll. Photo – Craig Ward (Hill & Ward, 2010) Habitat The Northern Quoll occupies a diversity of habitats across its range which includes rocky areas, eucalypt forest and woodlands, rainforests, sandy lowlands and beaches, shrubland, grasslands and desert (Oakwood 2008). Rocky habitats are usually of high relief, often rugged and dissected. Eucalypt forest or woodland habitats usually have a high structural diversity containing large diameter trees, termite mounds or hollow logs for denning purposes. Dens are made in rock crevices, tree holes or occasionally termite mounds (TSSC 2005). Northern Quolls appear to be most abundant in habitats within 150 km of the coast (Braithwaite & Begg 1995).
Recent surveys throughout Queensland have suggested Northern Quolls are more likely to be present in high relief areas that have shallower soils, greater cover of boulders, less fire impact and were closer to permanent water (Woinarski et al. 2008).
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan 5
Figure 2 Indicative distribution map for the Northern Quoll (DoE, 2015) Feeding Northern Quolls are opportunistic omnivores, consuming a wide range of prey including beetles, grasshoppers, spiders, scorpions and centipedes. They also eat fruit, nectar, and are known to feed on carrion and human refuse. Vertebrates eaten include 11 species of mammal (e.g. bandicoots, sugar gliders, brush-tail possums and rats), eight species of birds (e.g. Brown Quail), reptiles (skinks and snakes) and seven species of frog. They also eat bird eggs and nectar of eucalypt and grevillea flowers (Oakwood 2008). Northern Quolls will also scavenge from road kills and garbage bins (Oakwood 2008).
Frogs are eaten regularly in the wet season with at least seven species taken, including large native frogs such as the Green Tree Frog (Litoria caerulea) and the Giant Frog (Cyclorana australis). As Cane Toads have moved into the Northern Quoll's range, they have also been added to the diet of the Northern Quoll (Threatened Species Scientific Committee 2005aq). Life Cycle Northern Quolls have short life spans, with males living for approximately one year and the oldest recorded female in the wild being three years of age (TSSC 2005). Northern Quolls breed once each year, bearing on average seven young which are born after a gestation of 21–26 days (Oakwood 2008). Females wean two to three young which become reproductively mature at 11 months (Oakwood 2008). The breeding season occurs in mid-dry season, from late May to early June. Young are left in the den when they are eight to nine weeks old, in late August or September (Braithwaite & Begg 1995), whilst the mother forages at night (Oakwood 1997 in Oakwood 2000). Juveniles are weaned at 6 months old, in November to early December. The majority of male Northern Quolls die after their first breeding season. This male die-off in combination with the fact females usually breed only once makes local populations highly vulnerable to extinction. Key Threats · Lethal toxic ingestion caused by Cane Toads (Rhinella marina) · Removal, degradation and fragmentation of habitat · Inappropriate fire regimes · Weeds, particularly Gamba Grass (Andropogon gayanus) · Feral predators (i.e. Feral Cat, European Red Fox etc.) · Parasitism
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan 6
Australian Swiftlet (Pizzey 2010)
Status: Near Threatened (NC Act)
Red Goshawk (Pizzey 2010)
Status: Endangered (NC Act), Vulnerable (EPBC Act)
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan 7
Masked Owl (northern) (Pizzey 2010)
Status: Least Concern (NC Act), Vulnerable (EPBC Act)
Diadem Leaf-nosed Bat (Churchill 2008)
Status: Near Threatened (NC Act)
Robust Burrowing Snake (Wilson 2010)
Status: Near Threatened (NC Act)
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan 8
White-bellied Sea Eagle (Pizzey 2010)
Status: Least Concern (NC Act), Migratory (EPBC Act)
White-throated Needletail (Pizzey 2010)
Status: Least Concern (NC Act), Migratory (EPBC Act)
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan 9
Rainbow Bee-eater (Pizzey 2010)
Status: Least Concern (NC Act), Migratory (EPBC Act)
Black-faced Monarch (Pizzey 2010)
Status: Least Concern (NC Act), Migratory (EPBC Act)
Spectacled Monarch (Pizzey 2010)
Status: Least Concern (NC Act), Migratory (EPBC Act)
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan 10
Satin Flycatcher (Pizzey 2010)
Status: Least Concern (NC Act), Migratory (EPBC Act)
Rufous Fantail (Pizzey 2010)
Status: Least Concern (NC Act), Migratory (EPBC Act)
Fork-tailed Swift (Pizzey 2010)
Status: Least Concern (NC Act), Migratory (EPBC Act)
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan 11
4.0 Project Activities There are a number of risks or threats associated with the Design, Clearing, Construction, Operation and Decommissioning of the Project, which are of particular importance to the Northern Quoll, but also apply to all fauna species. Specifically for the Northern Quoll, the key threats are: - cane toads - habitat loss and fragmentation - fire - weeds (specifically gamba grass) As part of each stage of the Project, these risks or threats are identified as well as their potential impact on the Northern Quoll (Table 5). Management measures for each of these threats are then provided in Section 5.0.
Table 5 Project activities, risks and potential impacts to threatened species
Project Activity Risk/threat Potential Impacts Design Habitat loss - Reduced extent and quality of suitable habitat. Habitat fragmentation Exacerbated cane toad invasion Site Clearing and Habitat loss (inhabited and uninhabited) - Injury or death to individuals. Establishment - Reduced extent and quality of suitable Habitat fragmentation habitat. Weed introduction - Increased rates of illness or mortality amongst the local Northern Quoll Weed spread (specifically gamba grass) population. Exacerbated pest species invasion (cane toads, feral cats, foxes, rats etc.) Construction Works Dust generation - Decline in population health. - Disturbance of life cycle (breeding, Noise and vibration generation weaning etc.) Fuel and chemical spills - Reduced extent and quality of suitable habitat. Loss of waste materials (inert, putrescible - Reduction in population abundance. and hazardous) Bushfire - Loss of denning habitat - Increased risk of predation Vehicular Movements Vehicular strike - Injury or death to individuals. - Reduced extent and quality of suitable Weed introduction habitat. Weed spread Operation Weed spread - Reduced extent and quality of suitable habitat. Decommissioning Weed introduction - Reduced extent and quality of suitable habitat. Weed spread
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan 12
5.0 Management and Control Strategies
Table 6 Management actions for the avoidance of impacts to threatened species
Risk Project Phase Management Action(s) Habitat loss and fragmentation Design Reduce habitat loss and fragmentation by consolidation of project infrastructure to minimise footprint of development and extent of reductive pruning. Pre-construction Clearly mark out the extent of clearing with orange paint or flagging tape.
Clearing is to be restricted to the footprint of the radar compound and immediate surrounding buffer area. All other vegetation is to be pruned only.
Identify stockpile locations for retaining soil and vegetation for rehabilitation purposes. Ideally these should be previously cleared areas, so that no additional vegetation is disturbed. Location of stockpiles should not alter, or be placed in, natural drainage areas. Designated stockpile areas should be identified and communicated to all site personnel.
A pre-clearing survey is to be conducted by a suitably qualified ecologist to identify fauna and habitat features (e.g. tree hollows or logs) that may be impacted by clearing and earthworks. Habitat values must be identified in advance of clearing commencing, to enable habitat features to be relocated.
Construction Tree hollows are to be retained in situ wherever possible. If not possible, tree hollows are to be cut out of the cleared tree and relocated as follows: a) A natural tree hollow shall need no modification prior to relocation, i.e. the saw cut shall be made after the extent of the hollow. The length of the hollow shall be a minimum of 400 mm and a maximum of 1,000 mm long. b) The Contractor, in liaison with a qualified ecologist, shall select suitable host trees for the relocation of hollows. The host trees shall be mature, in good health, and will be part of the same area of vegetation. c) Hollows shall be mounted vertically or as close as possible to their original orientation. Hollows shall be mounted a minimum of 5 m from ground level or at a similar height and angle to where it was in the original tree. The aperture shall be faced away from prevailing weather to reduce entry of rain. d) The hollow shall be attached to the host tree at bifurcations of a suitable height. The hollow shall be attached by means of two 6.3 mm galvanized chains bolted to the either side of the log with 7.6 x 90 mm galvanized coach bolts and washers. The chains shall be wrapped around the host tree above the bifurcation and joined using
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan 13
Risk Project Phase Management Action(s) a galvanized "D" shackle. e) The hollow shall be attached to the host tree at bifurcations of a suitable height. The hollow shall be attached by means of two 6.3 mm galvanized chains bolted to the either side of the log with 7.6 x 90 mm galvanized coach bolts and washers. The chains shall be wrapped around the host tree above the bifurcation and joined using a galvanized "D" shackle. f) The location of installed hollows shall be recorded using approved GPS equipment.
Restrict clearing of canopy trees to the minimum required to establish the transportable radar site and surrounding buffer area. Clearing of canopy trees must be undertaken in accordance with the methods specified in the CEMP.
Selected logs and branches from the cleared trees are to be stockpiled in designated stockpile areas for use in rehabilitation. Groundcover vegetation (grasses, shrubs etc.), if free of weeds, is to be push-cleared by excavator bucket or equivalent into stockpiles in designated stockpile areas for use in rehabilitation. Rock, topsoil and subsoil should be stockpiled separately in designated stockpile areas.
Weed hygiene and erosion control must be maintained for soil stockpiles (e.g. appropriately covered with weighted tarp). Pruning of canopy trees is to be undertaken in preference to clearing, where appropriate. Reductive pruning is not to proceed until a pre-clearance survey of trees to be pruned has been conducted by an ecologist. Reductive pruning to provide a clear radar critical zone is to be conducted after the radar tower has been constructed to verify the height that trees are to be reduced to. Pruning is to be undertaken by a suitably qualified arborist. Reductive pruning may only occur in September-October or January-April to minimise possible impacts to Northern Quoll. Stockpiled vegetation will provide temporary habitat to herpetofauna (reptiles) and ground- dwelling mammals whilst the radar is in operation. Vegetative material (if free from weeds) will be pulled back across the site during rehabilitation works. If material is required to be imported to site (i.e. for use as road base etc.), the material must
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan 14
Risk Project Phase Management Action(s) be obtained from an appropriately licensed source and be accompanied with a Weed Hygiene Declaration (refer to Weed Management Plan in Appendix D of the CEMP). Reinstatement The period of time between removal of infrastructure from the site and restoration of the site area will be minimised to prevent loss of soils and weed incursion. All disturbed land will be rehabilitated to achieve stable and sustainable conditions of soil cover and vegetation. A decision is to be made prior to the reinstatement phase on the fate of the transportable radar’s concrete foundations. Option analysis must consider the environmental risks to the site and surrounding area. The preferred option must not require heavy machinery or generation of excessive noise and vibration. The option of leaving and burying the concrete slab with native material should be considered.
Original stockpiled materials will be re-spread across the site in the following order: 1. Subsoil 2. Topsoil 3. Rock 4. Vegetation The construction area will be re-profiled to original or stable contours, re-establishing surface drainage lines and other land features. Site specific stabilisation measures may be necessary to prevent slumping or erosion. Where possible, temporary erosion control measures will be left in place until bare soil has stabilised, i.e. rock and other natural material dragged over as cover, vegetation cover has re-established etc.
Fauna fatalities and encounters Pre-construction All site personnel to be introduced, through the site induction, to protected fauna that have potential to be encountered across the site (refer to Section 3.0). Site induction shall include training in the following: a) Impairment or killing of native fauna may incur penalties. b) Information will be provided in relation to protected and/or dangerous fauna which may be encountered on site, i.e. venomous snakes. c) Only designated and trained personnel are allowed to handle and remove fauna.
Construction A pre-clearance survey, by an ecologist, of the footprint of vegetation clearing is to be
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan 15
Risk Project Phase Management Action(s) conducted prior to clearing commencing. Site clearing works are not to be undertaken immediately after heavy rainfall. All clearing will be undertaken in the presence of a spotter-catcher. Clearing will be undertaken in a sequential manner to allow any Northern Quoll, or other fauna species present, sufficient time and space to move out of the area of their own accord, rather than being forcefully moved. Any animal requiring care or treatment will be immediately transported to a veterinarian or licenced wildlife carer. If any threatened fauna species are spotted during construction, work will cease in the immediate vicinity of the sighting until they have moved off or a suitable qualified spotter- catcher called in to remove them. The fauna spotter-catcher will provide a suitable record to the Site Supervisor. Any impacts to fauna are to be reported to Airservices within 24 hours of occurrence. Operation, Maintenance, Any animal requiring care or treatment will be immediately transported to a veterinarian or Decommissioning and licenced wildlife carer. The fauna spotter-catcher will provide a suitable record to the Site Reinstatement. Supervisor. Any impacts to fauna are to be reported to Airservices within 24 hours of occurrence. Exacerbated pest species invasion (cane Design Avoid, where possible, inclusion of any water retaining voids or pits in the design. Where pits toads, feral cats, foxes, rats etc.) and voids are required, include appropriate cover to prevent water retention in these spaces and/or subsequent breeding opportunities for cane toads.
Where covering of pits and voids is not practicable, fencing to exclude access by cane toads should be incorporated into the design. Sediment fencing, free standing or attached to the base of other fencing material, has proven to be effective. Wash down and laydown areas should be designed to include cane toad traps where exclusion from areas of potential water retention is not practicable.
Cane toad traps can be easily constructed using designs available at http://cart.frogwatch.org.au/index.cfm?attributes.fuseaction=shop&goto=trap. Design of the compound fence should consider the need to exclude feral pigs from the radar site. Since feral pigs are large, robust animals reaching up to 115 kg in size, fences must be equally robust to exclude them.
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan 16
Risk Project Phase Management Action(s)
Pigs are known to pass through plain wire fences, usually between the wires at snout level. Increased resistance can be achieved by using prefabricated fences with small mesh sizes e.g. 150 mm vertical wire spacing or wire netting.
Although pigs will preferentially pass through fences, they will also push under them using existing holes or rooting out soft earth beneath the fence if necessary. Consequently, there should be little or no gap between the base of the fence and the ground. Design is to be reviewed by Airservices’ Environmental Specialist to ensure appropriate consideration has been given for cane toad mitigation and exclusion of other pest species. Construction, Operation, Prior to delivery to site, all equipment and materials are to be deemed free of pests (rodents, Maintenance, toads etc.). As a minimum, this requires 48hrs quarantine in a designated ‘weed free’ area. Decommissioning and To avoid establishing a quarantine area close to site, staged delivery and double handling of Reinstatement. equipment and materials, the regional depot (i.e. Cairns) should be considered for use as the ‘quarantine area’ in the first instance. Alternative arrangements must be agreed by Airservices prior to implementation. Any suspected cane toads encountered or captured on site should be confirmed as being cane toads. Methods of identifying cane toads are detailed in Attachment A of this SMP. Any live cane toads encountered on site or captured in traps should be killed humanely. The RSPCA acknowledges two methods of humanely killing Cane Toads which are appropriate for use on this Project (Sharp et al., 2011). Accepted methods are detailed in Attachment B of this SMP. Any shallow depressions left in substrate as a result of clearing, construction or rehabilitation works to be immediately levelled so as not to encourage water retention and breeding of cane toads. No alterations to landform, or refuse left exposed, which will specifically assist breeding opportunities for cane toads, feral cats or house mice on site. To reduce the presence of feral animals or other pests, all food scraps must be placed into designated waste bins, and their lids securely closed. Bins containing food waste are to be emptied at the end of each day, with contents removed from site for disposal in an off-site bin or at an appropriate waste facility. No feeding of fauna on site. Weed introduction All Implement the Weed Management Plan, included as Appendix D of the CEMP.
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan 17
Risk Project Phase Management Action(s) Weed spread All Implement the Weed Management Plan, included as Appendix D of the CEMP. Dust generation Construction, Operation, Secure an off-site, appropriately licensed water source for dust suppression during the Maintenance, construction phase. Decommissioning and Progressively rehabilitate and / or stabilise disturbed areas. Reinstatement. Immediately clean up material spilt on traffic areas before vehicle movement can disturb it. Use construction water cart to suppress dust during earthworks. Where watering is used, monitor the procedure to ensure that there is no surface ponding/pooling of water. Enforce a maximum speed limit of 40 km/hr along all sealed roads and 20 km/hr on unsealed roads. Personnel will be informed of this requirement during induction. Restrict vehicles to approved access tracks and only those vehicles required for the safe, efficient and essential construction activities will be allowed in the work area. Cover all loose loads for transport to and from the work site. Maintain stockpiles, for example stripped topsoil, in a condition which prevents windblown dust generation, especially during dry or windy conditions. This may include watering or covering of stockpiles with a weighed-down tarp. Limit bare earth exposure to that essential to the efficient and effective construction of the asset. Using vegetation cover, mulch covers or other suitable methods will be adopted where possible. Rehabilitate or allow natural regeneration of bare areas as soon as the area is no longer needed for construction. Noise and vibration generation Construction, Operation Limit construction activities which generate excessive noise to standard working hours from and Maintenance, approximately 0700 to 1800 (local time) whenever possible. Some limited stages of the work Decommissioning and may require work during non-daylight hours. Reinstatement. All construction techniques to minimise vibration at all times. The use of smaller equipment and minimal excavation is recommended. Equipment that results in significant vibration, e.g. rock drills, rock hammers and vibrators are not be used.
Design and construction of foundations must consider type of machinery and level of disturbance for installation and must ensure construction techniques minimise the extent of excavation and do not require use of heavy machinery.
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan 18
Risk Project Phase Management Action(s) Construction methodologies are to be reviewed following completion of the pre-clearance survey, and in accordance with recommendations made by the nominated ecologist. Noise emissions from plant and equipment will be limited to 85 dB(A), where practicable.
Construction activities expected to generate noise levels in excess of 30 dB(A) LAeq,adj,1hr, recorded indoors at the nearest dwelling, must not be conducted between the hours of 10pm and 7am, in accordance with the Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy 2008. Regularly maintain all equipment and vehicles and attend promptly to any loose parts, rattling covers, worn bearings and broken components. Ensure all equipment complies with appropriate Australian Standards. Shut down any equipment generating loud, extraneous (unusual) noise until the source of the noise can be identified and rectified. Fuel and chemical spills Construction, Operation Introduce all construction personnel to spill management procedures and use of the spill kit and Maintenance, during the site induction. Decommissioning and All hazardous chemicals will be stored and used in line with relevant Australian Standards Reinstatement. and containers will not be handled or stored in a manner that may rupture the drum or cause it to leak. A central spill kit is to be located on site and all workers are to be trained in its implementation to control spills. All vehicles and machinery containing or carrying hazardous materials are to be equipped with spill kits at all times. All drums, which are kept in a horizontal position for the purpose of filling other containers, will have a drip pan or bucket under the discharge point in order to catch small leaks. All faulty valves used on dispensing drums will be replaced immediately. All valves will have automatic shut-off capabilities. Refuelling and maintenance activities are performed in designated bunded areas, if required. Spills of hydrocarbons and chemicals will be immediately cleaned up and contaminated material appropriately disposed of, in accordance with the CEMP. Loss of waste materials (inert, putrescible Construction, Operation, A recycling skip and general waste skips are to be provided at this site. and hazardous) Maintenance, All waste storage areas shall be located in accordance with Airservices agreed drawings. Decommissioning and Reinstatement. All wastes and other potential polluting items must be removed from the site at project completion and the site shall be left in a clean and tidy state.
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan 19
Risk Project Phase Management Action(s) The site is to be kept in a neat and tidy condition at all times through good house-keeping practices so as to promote site safety and minimise pollution. This shall include use of waste bins (including recycling bins) and regular waste removal to prevent overfilling of bins, promptly clean up after spills, regular tidy up of the site. Bins containing food waste are to be emptied at the end of each day, with contents removed from site for disposal in an off-site bin or at an appropriate waste facility. This is particularly important to avoid attracting pigs, and other pest species to the site. All bins and skips are to be covered to prevent rubbish from blowing away or rainwater and pests entering the waste receptacle. Bushfire Design Include appropriate internal setback of radar equipment from the compound fenceline to prevent any outbreak of fire within the radar compound from jumping to surrounding remnant vegetation. Ensure sufficient cleared parking spaces are available to avoid vehicles parking in long grass. Construction, Operation, Fires are not permitted on site. Maintenance, Hot works have potential to start fires, with safety and environmental implications. Hot works Decommissioning and are to only be conducted under a Hot Work Permit, or similar, issued by the Construction Reinstatement. Manager (or their delegate). Adequate firefighting resources, including 2 x firefighting knapsacks filled with water, are to be available on site at all times during construction works. All vehicles must contain spark arresters on diesel engines. Fire-fighting equipment and personnel trained in firefighting are to be on-hand during hot works to minimise damage caused by accidental fires. To minimise the risk of fires, vehicles must only be parked in designated areas. Vehicles must not be parked under the drip line of trees or in areas that have not been identified in the Contractor’s Traffic Management Plan. Fire hazard warnings associated with weather patterns and fire risk are issued both by the Bureau of Meteorology and the Queensland Rural Fire Service. Fire hazard warnings must be checked daily and construction crews must be aware of the fire warnings. Vehicular strike Pre-construction Preparation of Project-specific Traffic Management Plan. All Implementation of Project-specific Traffic Management Plan.
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan 20
Risk Project Phase Management Action(s) Vehicle speed restrictions of 40 km/hr on sealed surfaces and 20 km/hr on unsealed surfaces implemented. Many animals become more active at dawn and dusk. As far as practicable, avoid vehicular movements to/from site outside of daylight hours.
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan 21
6.0 Compliance Management
6.1 Roles and Responsibilities 6.1.1 Construction Phase During the construction period, the Site Supervisor will be the Responsible Person and will undertake the following: - Ensure that the requirements of this SMP are satisfied. - Ensure that contractors and any sub-contractors engaged in the construction of the Project are advised of their responsibilities to undertake their activities required by this SMP. - Ensure that the auditing/monitoring program is implemented properly. - Prepare incident reports and implement corrective actions. - Ensure appropriate records are kept and maintained on-site. - Retain a copy of this SMP on-site for reference by appropriate personnel and provide copy of plan to contractors, if requested. - Recommend additions or changes to this SMP based upon experience gained from implementation of the plan. 6.1.2 Operational Phase During the operational phase and subsequent de-commissioning period, Airservices’ Environmental Representative will be the Responsible Person and will undertake the following: - Ensure that the requirements of this SMP are satisfied. - Ensure that the auditing/monitoring program is implemented properly. - Prepare incident reports and implement corrective actions. - Ensure appropriate records are kept and maintained on-site. - Retain a copy of this SMP for reference by appropriate personnel. - Recommend additions or changes to this SMP based upon experience gained from implementation of the plan.
6.2 Training All employees, contractors and sub-contractors working on site will undergo site induction training, including matters relating to fauna management. The induction training will address elements related to fauna management including: - Existence and requirements of this SMP. - Relevant legislation. - Specific species likely to be affected by the construction works and how these species can be recognised (refer to Section 4). - Fauna rescue requirements. - General fauna management measures. - Specific responsibilities for the protection of fauna. Further details regarding staff induction and training are outlined in the CEMP.
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan 22
6.3 Inspections and Monitoring 6.3.1 Establishing Pre-clearing Condition Prior to the commencement of clearing, the Site Supervisor will provide Airservices with a report specifying (as a minimum): - The number and location of canopy trees to be identified for removal. - The number and location of trees identified for lopping. - The total area of disturbance required for the Project works. - The location and type of habitat features within the development footprint identified by the ecologist during pre-clearing inspection. - A summary of any relocation of habitat features undertaken prior to the commencement of clearing, including location of re-located features. - The location of designated stockpile areas for soil and vegetation management. 6.3.2 Post-clearing Monitoring Following the completion of site preparation works, the Site Supervisor will provide Airservices with a report specifying (as a minimum): - The number and location of canopy trees removal. - The number and location of trees lopped. - The total area of disturbance. - The location of designated stockpile areas and details on how they are being managed e.g. soil erosion and weed prevention controls. - A register of all fauna species observed and/or relocated by the spotter-catcher during site preparation works. 6.3.3 Inspections Formal site inspections are to be conducted on a weekly basis during the Project implementation by the Site Supervisor, based on the Site Inspection Checklist provided in Appendix G of the CEMP. Site inspections must be done to monitor if the environmental controls mentioned in the CEMP and this SMP are being appropriately implemented and if there are any environmental impacts from the construction works. The records of inspections are to be maintained on project files and copies provided to Airservices’ Project Manager.
6.4 Reporting General reporting requirements for the Project are specified in Section 8.3 of the CEMP. Any activity resulting in the unlawful / unauthorised removal of native vegetation or causing death or injury to native fauna during site activities shall be reported to the Site Manager immediately. Any impacts to native fauna are to be reported to Airservices within 24 hours of occurrence. Injured fauna can be reported to Far North Queensland Wildlife Rescue (4053 4467).
6.5 Corrective Actions All incidents and non-conformances with this SMP will be reviewed by Airservices’ Project Manager, Environmental Representative and the Site Supervisor. Where appropriate, management and control actions will be identified and implemented to prevent future occurrence of the incident/con-conformance.
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan 23
7.0 Resourcing
7.1 Specialist Resources The following specialist resources are required to support specific construction activities: Table 7 Specialised resources required to implement obligations of this SMP
Role Minimum Qualifications Construction Activities Ecologist Minimum of 5 years’ experience as a Pre-clearing site demarcation practising botany professional. Mark-out of protected flora Tertiary qualification in ecology, or Trunk protection of trees similar. Protective fencing of protected flora
Spotter-Catcher Must hold a current Rehabilitation Tree clearing Permit, licensed under the NC Act. Other vegetation clearing
Tree pruning
Arborist Australian Qualifications Framework Tree clearing (AQF) Level 3 qualification in Tree pruning arboriculture, as a minimum.
It may be possible for more than one of the above-mentioned roles to be filled by a single person, on the condition that they hold the minimum qualifications for each.
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan 24
8.0 References AECOM (2014a). Environmental Assessment Report, Hann Tablelands Transportable Radar Site. Unpublished report written by AECOM Australia Pty Ltd for Indra Australia Pty Ltd. AECOM (2014b). Environmental Impact Assessment, Hann Tablelands Transportable Radar Site. Unpublished report written by AECOM Australia Pty Ltd for Indra Australia Pty Ltd. American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA)(2007). The American Veterinary Medicine Association Guidelines on Euthanasia. Available at: http://www.avma.org/issues/animal_welfare/euthanasia.pdf Braithwaite, R. W. & R.J. Begg (1995). Northern quoll Dasyurus hallucatus Gould, 1842. In: Strahan, R., ed. The Mammals of Australia: National Photographic Index of Australian Wildlife. Page(s) 65-66. Sydney: Reed Books. Churchill, S. (2008). Australian Bats, Second edition. Close, B. et al. (1996). Recommendations for euthanasia of experimental animals: Part 1. DGXI of the European Commission. Laboratory Animals 30, 293-316 Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, Queensland Government. Guideline: Developing a species management program. Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Australian Government. Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 referral guidelines for the endangered northern quoll, Dasyurus hallucatus. EPBC Act policy statement 3.25. Hill B.M. and Ward S.J. (2010). National Recovery Plan for the Northern Quoll Dasyurus hallucatus. Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport, Darwin. Long, K and Robley, A (2004). Cost Effective Feral Animal Exclusion Fencing for Areas of High Conservation Value in Australia. Oakwood, M. (2008). Northern quoll Dasyurus hallucatus. In: Van Dyck, S. & R. Strahan, eds. The Mammals of Australia (3rd ed). Page(s) 57-59. Sydney, NSW: Reed New Holland. Oakwood, M. (1997). The ecology of the northern quoll, Dasyurus hallucatus. PhD Thesis, Australian National University. Ph.D. Thesis. Pizzey, G (2010). The field guide to the birds of Australia, 8th edition. Sharp T, Lothian A, Munn A and Saunders G (2011). CAN001 Methods for the field euthanasia of cane toads. Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, Industry & Investment NSW and School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong. Threatened Species Scientific Committee (2005aq). NON-APPROVED Conservation Advice on Northern Quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus). [Online]. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/dasyurus-hallucatus.html#conservation. Threatened Species Scientific Committee (2005x). Commonwealth Listing Advice on Northern Quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus). [Online]. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/dasyurus- hallucatus.html. Wilson, S. (2010). A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia, Third edition. Woinarski, J.C.Z., M. Oakwood, J. Winter, S. Burnett, D. Milne, P. Foster, H. Myles & B. Holmes (2008). Surviving the toads: patterns of persistence of the northern quoll Dasyurus hallucatus in Queensland. Report submitted to the Natural Heritage Trust Strategic Reserve Program.
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan
A Attachment A
Identifying Cane Toads
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan A-1
Attachment A Identifying Cane Toads
Male Cane Toad
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan A-2
Female Cane Toad
Juvenile Cane Toad
Cane Toad Metamorph
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan A-3
Cane Toad Metamorph
Cane Toad Tadpole
Cane Toad Eggs
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan
B Attachment B
Approved Methods of Cane Toad Euthanasia
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan B-1
Attachment B Approved Methods of Cane Toad Euthanasia
1. Stunning Followed by Decapitation
This method is considered CONDITIONALLY ACCEPTABLE for the euthanasia of small numbers of cane toads when:
§ it is carried out by experienced and skilled persons;
§ the animal is held by the back legs against a solid surface;
§ a large headed hammer is used for stunning;
§ correct stun placement and stun force is used; and
§ the toad is promptly decapitated with a sharp knife or cleaver.
Introduction
Stunning (blunt trauma or cranial concussion) followed by decapitation is an effective and humane method that is recommended for the euthanasia of amphibians (AVMA, 2007). When performed correctly, stunning is sufficient to render the animal insensible (Close et al. 1996). Decapitation, which involves severing the neck of the animal close to the head using a sharp instrument, is then used to ensure death of the stunned animal.
Animals must always be stunned or rendered insensible prior to decapitation. Decapitation on its own is NOT an acceptable euthanasia technique since cold-blooded vertebrates are very tolerant to hypoxic and hypotensive conditions and time to insensibility and death may be prolonged (Close et al. 1996; AVMA, 2007).
Operators using this method must be skilled in its use and confident enough to deliver a blow of sufficient force and accuracy to render the animal immediately insensible.
Stunning must be conducted so that the cane toad is securely held against a solid surface that will not move or compress during the stun impact (e.g. a chopping board on a table or the tray of a utility vehicle). If conducted against a softer surface (e.g. on the ground) the animal may not be rendered immediately insensible.
Stunning followed by decapitation can also be used as a secondary killing method in the event that another method fails to kill the animal. Animals should always be checked to confirm death (see above) before being disposed of, and equipment to perform stunning and decapitation should be on hand for such use.
Although it is a relatively simple method, with very little outlay for equipment, stunning followed by decapitation may not be cost-effective for killing large numbers of toads if there are only one or two operators. It can be time-consuming and labour intensive, taking 1 to 2 minutes to kill each animal and operators may become fatigued. Specific health and safety considerations
When toads are stunned with a blow to the head, the toxin glands (situated just behind the head) may rupture and spray toxin. Operators should use a full face mask/visor to avoid getting toxins in their eyes, mouth and nose.
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan B-2
Care must be taken when stunning toads with a hammer as there is a risk that operators may strike a thumb or fingers.
Working with sharp knives can be dangerous. Operators should use a chainmail glove to protect the hand that is restraining the toad. Equipment required Stunning equipment
A large hammer with a flat, metal head, or equivalent should be used for stunning. The face of the hammer head should be at least 2.0cm in diameter. Rubber mallets are not acceptable as they may absorb the impact.
A rigid wooden or plastic chopping board (approximately 30 x 20 x 2.5 cm), or equivalent. Decapitation equipment
A large, sharp knife or cleaver, with a blade at least 15cm long, should be used for decapitation. The knife should be sharpened regularly. Other equipment:
Personal protective equipment including gloves and appropriate eye/face protection.
Chainmail glove
First-aid kit Procedures
Whilst wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, restrain the cane toad by firmly holding the back legs.
Gently press the belly of the cane toad onto a chopping board that is on a stable and solid surface.
Using a hammer, apply a forceful blow to the middle of the head just behind the eyes (see diagram in Appendix).
Immediately after delivering the stun, use the knife to decapitate the head. Cut in a line just behind the skull and lower jaw bones (see Figure 3). These can be felt by following back along the jaw line until the bone turns inwards. Caution must be taken as this line runs through the toxin glands and toxin may be forced out during cutting (especially if the knife is not sharp).
Dispose of dead cane toads by deep burial or other approved method (i.e. double bagged and disposed of as waste). Note that dead cane toads are still considered to be toxic.
Figure 3 Point of aim for stunning and line of cut for decapitation (Sharp et al., 2011)
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan B-3
2. Spraying with Hopstop®
This method is considered CONDITIONALLY ACCEPTABLE for the field euthanasia of cane toads when:
§ The toad is treated with sufficient spray to anaesthetise and then kill them quickly and effectively, therefore two sprays are recommended for all animals; and
§ Toads are confirmed as dead prior to disposal.
Introduction Hopstop® is an aerosol spray specifically developed by Pestat Pty. Ltd. for the euthanasia of cane toads. It contains 4% chloroxylenol and 67% ethanol, as well as isopropanol, citral and alkanes which act as a propellant. (U.S. Patent Application No. 12/312,500, Publication No. 2010/0069506, 2010; Pestat Pty. Ltd., 2008). Chloroxylenol (which is also the active ingredient in Dettol®) acts as the pesticidal or toad killing agent in the spray and the ethanol is used as an anaesthetising agent. The isopropanol is used as a carrier for the chloroxylenol. Hopstop has achieved registration with the Australian Pesticides & Veterinary Medicines Authority. Specific health and safety considerations
Users must read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for Hopstop® which can be obtained from the supplier at: http://www.pestat.com.au/extras/HopStop-MSDS.pdf.
Do not puncture or incinerate the can even once it is empty. Keep the product out of the reach of children. Deliberately concentrating and/or inhaling the contents could be harmful or fatal.
HopStop® should only be used outdoors. Do not use it inside buildings or other enclosed areas, and do not inhale the spray. Do not spray it towards yourself, other people or animals, and avoid direct application to plant foliage. Do not spray it into or over dams or fishponds. Chloroxylenol is toxic to aquatic animals and should not be applied where it could contaminate water bodies.
HopStop® is supplied in a pressurised dispenser, and should be treated like any other aerosol product. The contents of the can are highly flammable and the product should not be stored or used near any sources of ignition, naked flames or any incandescent material. Do not smoke while using HopStop®. Store the can in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
Avoid contact of HopStop® with your skin, eyes and clothes. Wear suitable clothing, and wear gloves when using the product or handling toads. In case of accidental skin contact, wash the affected area immediately with soap and water. In case of eye contact, wash eyes immediately with water.
If poisoning occurs, contact a doctor or the Poisons Information Centre (Tel: 131 126). Equipment required
Can of Hopstop®
Other equipment:
o Personal protective equipment including gloves and appropriate eye/face protection.
o First aid kit Procedures
The following instructions include directions for use from the manufacturer available at: http://www.pestat.com.au/html/products.htm.
Full directions for use are also provided on the label of each can and include:
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315 AECOM Species Management Plan B-4
Identify cane toads. Only amphibians identified as cane toads should euthanased. Native frogs must not be sprayed.
Shake the can of Hopstop® briefly and gently before use.
Hold the can upright about 20-30cm from the toad and spray the toad on the back for 2-3 seconds. The toad will hop for a short time, then stop moving and flatten into a ‘hunched’ position. If you spray the toad where it can move towards a barrier such as a wall, fence or rock, it will then stop and settle down. Do not chase the toad as this is likely to alarm it and cause it to panic and try to hop further and faster. Once the toad has stopped moving apply a second spray.
Always watch where the toad hops to and then leave it undisturbed until it dies. After 2 hours check each toad for signs of death (see above). Do not directly handle toads, always wear gloves. If any toads are not dead they must either be re-treated with Hopstop® or stunned and decapitated. All toads must be confirmed as dead prior to disposal of carcasses.
Dispose of dead cane toads by deep burial or other approved method (i.e. double bagged and disposed of as waste). Note that dead cane toads are still considered to be toxic.
10-Mar-2015 Prepared for – Indra Australia Pty Ltd – ABN: 28 091 922 315